This post lists our top 14 suggestions for things to do in Paris in September. It includes popular events, attractions, and festivals that are happening in 2023.
Be sure to check the weather in Paris before you pack!
TOP 14 THINGS TO DO
Our top 14 list helps you decide how to spend your time in Paris with the best concerts, events, attractions, and activities available in September.
Be sure to check out our other popular posts on Paris:
- Tickets to the Eiffel Tower
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
- River Seine Boat Cruises
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Day Trip to Versailles
1. See a Show at Moulin Rouge
If you're looking for something that is a bit more stereotypically Parisian, why not see a cabaret?
The Moulin Rouge is known for its live music, extravagant costumes, and beautiful performers in a luxurious environment.
Performances run regularly year-round, and we recommend getting your tickets a few months out as they do tend to sell out.
Check out more nighttime activities in our post Things to do at Night in Paris.
2. Attend a Jazz Festival
The Jazz à la Villette Festival takes place each September in celebration of everything jazz.
Activities take place in Parc de la Villette and various surrounding venues.
Note that because the festival wants to appeal to younger crowds as well, it puts effort into children's activities and concerts. Those can be found here.
The festival runs from August 30th to September 10th. Visit the Jazz à la Villette Festival website for the line-up and ticket information.
3. Take a Sightseeing Tour
September means brisk weather and the chance to take a deep breath after the heat of the summer finally lets up.
This means it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the streets with a bike tour through Paris or a pay-what-you-wish walking tour with an entertaining guide.
If you’re excited to try delicious French pastries and food, check out these popular food tours.
Of course, if you'd rather explore on your own, self-guided walking tours are always a good option.
Rick Steves offers some downloadable audio tours that cover some neighborhoods and museums in Paris.
4. Attend the Festivals du Parc Floral
In August and September, four music festivals take place in one park.
They are:
- Pestilence | a concert series for children
- Paris Jazz Festival | Jazz music
- Classic at Green | Classical music
- The Nocturnes | a mix of classical and jazz music
Concerts take place at Parc Floral de Paris, in the 12th arrondissment, close to Château de Vincennes.
The series runs from June 28th to September 6th.
Daytime concerts are free, while evening events are not. For more information, visit the Festivals du Parc Floral website.
5. Dance at the Techno Parade
Paris' Techno Parade returns again this year.
This showcase of electronic music culture brings hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Paris.
In addition to music and dancing, there will also be dozens of floats driving down the street alongside the dancers, each one representing an electronic label or group.
This parade is entirely free to attend, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the music along with everyone else!
This year the festival takes place on September 23rd.
For location information and other details, please check the Techo Parade Facebook page.
6. Experience European Heritage Days
On September 16th and 17th, Paris celebrates European Heritage Days.
The French Ministry of Culture and Communication invites folks to visit select Parisian monuments and cultural sites for free.
You can find concerts, gallery showings, and other events at participating venues throughout the city.
Some monuments and venues include the Philharmonie de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, and Elysee Palace.
7. Fill Your Stomach at a Food Festival
The annual three-day international Omnivore Food Festival brings together those chefs who take a new and daring look at contemporary cuisine.
Pop-up demonstrations of talented and "undiscovered" chefs and other food artisans, exhibitors, masterclasses, and other activities take place around this festival.
Best of all, the over 10,000 guests have a chance to taste some exceptional food and drink.
The festival takes September 10th-12th and tickets can be purchased here.
8. Take in Paris Fashion Week
One of the most high-profile fashion weeks happens in Paris from September 25th - October 3rd.
This event sets the tone for fashion all over the world for the upcoming year.
There will be a few events open to the public, but tickets are in high demand so you should keep an eye on the calendar months in advance.
These events are generally independent of the official runway events but are still exciting for fashion fans.
9. Take a Day Trip to Versailles
In September, the weather is still brisk and pleasant enough to spend an enjoyable day exploring the Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
The palace sits on a beautiful estate that has been the site of multiple important meetings and events throughout history and is only 40 minutes from Paris by train.
The gardens are large enough that we recommend budgeting at least half a day to explore or take a bike tour.
We have a full post on finding deals for your tickets and how to find interesting Versailles tours.
10. Stoll Through Special Parks
Parisian parks and gardens everywhere are displaying their colorful autumn leaves, which makes it a perfect time for the annual Paris Garden Festival.
You can visit inside more than 150 parks and gardens, many of which aren’t usually open to the public. This includes Parc Monceau and Parc Georges Brassens.
You’ll also be able to find free activities in various districts of the city like guided tours, concerts, demonstrations, and workshops.
For other free activities, take a look at our post about free things to do in Paris.
11. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
With a tourist attraction discount pass, you’ll get to see much more at a bulk discount - up to 55% for some popular attractions!
The passes give you bulk discounts since you're getting entry to multiple attractions upfront. You'll also get to skip box office lines at participating locations!
Attractions Include:
- Arc De Triomphe
- Paris Aquarium
- Paris Opera House
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- And much more.
For more information on all the discount passes available, check out our full pass comparison post.
12. Attend Les Extatiques Festival
The free summer art festival Les Extatiques takes place in the La Défense district.
You'll find art installations, interactive artworks, performances, and more at this festival.
Artists and musicians share their talents with audiences at concerts and performances.
Events take place June 22nd-October 1st. Visit this website for more information.
13. Visit Paris Design Week
Hundreds of galleries, studios, workshops, and classrooms across Paris open up to the public during the annual Paris Design Week.
These artists share the newest and best designs in architecture, interior design, furniture, and more.
There are guided tours, talks, panels, and more, all in celebration of design.
This year events take place September 7th-16th. More information can be found on the Paris Design Week website.
14. Attend a Pro Sporting Event or Tour Stade de France
August is a quiet month for sports in Paris. However, there is a chance to see a football game.
Football (Soccer)
Also, the all-female race for women only, La Parisienne, takes place on September 10th. Over 40,000 runners participate.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities in Paris , check out our full post.
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